We Slovenes are the only Alpine nation to associate our national identity with the mountains. In the mountains we have defied invading nations, expressed our patriotism, and defended the Slovene identity while the mountain summits flew Slovene flags. On the summit of Triglav, the highest of the Slovene mountains, Jakob Aljaž erected his famous tower, a symbolic image also adopted by the Slovene Alpine Museum. The Slovenes have managed to maintain a continuous link between the once barefoot shepherds and today’s top world-class alpinists. The mountain world is also an invaluable source of fresh water, clean air and unspoilt nature. Mountaineering museums throughout the Alpine countries are important institutions for deepening this historical memory, awareness and national identity.